This is a city that loves to celebrate. Lima enjoys its long lunches and shared tables, as much as the more intimate and cosmopolitan atmosphere that appears when the sun goes down. So, we take a look at the best plans for spending Valentine’s Day in the middle of summer in Lima and end up at Alphonse, the new secret bar that sets the tone for the city’s nights out.

Falling in love in Lima

Valentine’s Day is one of the most anticipated dates on the calendar and one of the most enthusiastically celebrated in Lima. Whether it’s a day at the beach or a walk along the boardwalk, dinner for two, bars with friends, or a romantic and relaxing getaway with your partner, the city has ideal plans to celebrate love and friendship.

History of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day, also known as Día de los Enamorados (Day of those who are in love), is celebrated on February 14 in Peru and is a day dedicated to love and friendship. However, it is not very clear where it originates from.

According to the National Geographic magazine, some historians place its origin in Ancient Rome, in the celebration of the lupercal festivities, also called Lupercalia, to encourage fertility. Another theory traces the origin of Valentine’s Day to a Roman festival called Juno Februata, in which it was customary for young men to choose a temporary partner.

But the origin of the most romantic story, that of the character of Valentine, is located in Rome in the 3^rd century, when Christianity began to spread. Emperor Claudius II enacted a law forbidding young men to marry so they could enlist in the army instead. Since he did not agree with this prohibition, a young priest named Valentine decided to defy it and celebrate secret marriages between young lovers. Upon discovery, he was imprisoned, stoned, and executed on February 14, 269.

Centuries later, Valentine was elevated to sainthood, and in 494 Pope Gelasius I declared February 14, the day of his martyrdom, to be St. Valentine’s Day. Buried on the outskirts of Rome, on the Via Flaminia, known as St. Valentine’s Gate, his tomb became a place of pilgrimage during the Middle Ages.

Special moments

There is something unique in Lima during the summer. The proximity to the beach, its sunsets, the streets that feel full of energy. The city lights up and, therefore, the fact that February 14 falls in the middle of the season gives a special feeling to the date.

An excellent gift or Valentine’s Day treat is a visit to the Heavenly Spa by Westin. Thanks to its multiple massages, facial and body treatments, and the services of its beauty salon, it is possible to experience a moment of pampering and wellness in the largest urban spa in South America. For Valentine’s Day, however, there are some special experiences that are worth considering.

Heavenly Spa’s Heavenly Romance package includes a thermal circuit with therapeutic showers, hydro-massage pool, toning pool and relaxation pool, as well as steam chambers, sauna and a luxurious Rassul to enjoy all the benefits of hydrotherapy. In addition, the package includes couple massages with chocolate cream, a unique sensation of relaxation and sensuality thanks to the properties of cocoa. Finally, the experience ends with a mini spa in a private room. To float away.

Fine dining will always be an ideal place to spend a Valentine’s Day that awakens the senses. The combination of gastronomy, cocktails, and good design, happily, distinguish the culinary offer of the city. Sunset time can be welcomed with a drink at El Salar de Maras, at The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center in San Isidro. It is a space with its own personality and an extensive menu of classic and signature cocktails, which often prepares surprises such as DJ sessions, urban art presentations, special evenings, and nights with guest chefs, and more.

The evening can continue with dinner at Maras, also at The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center: traditional and avant-garde cuisine in an elegant and cozy atmosphere, either in the dining room or on the charming terrace lit by lanterns. Another option is Insumo, located on the 18th floor of AC Hotel Lima Miraflores, on the beautiful Malecón de la Reserva. Its varied menu not only stands out for its large marine pantry or its culinary bets such as kamado, but Insumo is the only high-altitude cuisine restaurant with a panoramic view of the bay of Lima.

For a complete escape from routine, without going too far, the Deluxe Ground Floor package is available for a one-night stay at the Westin. There, that night is enough to make you feel in another world, with a bottle of sparkling wine and strawberries with chocolate in the room, 15% discount on Heavenly Spa services, exclusive complimentary parking, access to the pool and Fitness Center, and breakfast for two. Because a couple’s getaway is always fair and necessary.